Da Vinci 5 Surgical Platform Debuts At St. Mary Medical Center

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The da Vinci 5 surgical system is making its debut at St. Mary Medical Center, expanding patient access to advanced technology for minimally invasive care.

The da Vinci 5 is the most advanced and integrated surgical platform to date, designed to help deliver better outcomes, improve efficiency, and provide real-time surgical insights.

The da Vinci 5 — an evolution of earlier surgical system models — enhances surgeons’ visualization and precision during complex procedures. The system features high-definition magnification and advanced robotic and computer assistance to support more streamlined operations.

With additional sensors and a first-of-its-kind force feedback mechanism, the da Vinci 5 allows surgeons to better sense the push and pull of instruments during surgery, enhancing precision and control.

“Bringing the da Vinci 5 surgical platform to St. Mary Medical Center allows us to offer our patients access to the most advanced minimally invasive technology available,” says Justin Harmon, DO, the director of robotic surgery and chair of Urology at St. Mary Medical Center. “This system helps reduce pain, shorten recovery times and get patients back to their lives more quickly, all while maintaining the highest level of surgical precision. The da Vinci 5 represents a significant advancement in robotic-assisted surgery.”

St. Mary Medical Center is home to one of the region’s most experienced and active robotic surgery programs, now expanding with its third da Vinci robotic system. The hospital is recognized as a Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) Robotic and Hernia Surgery Center of Excellence, reflecting a commitment to high-quality, safe and effective surgical care. In addition, St. Mary’s experienced surgeons have earned the SRC Surgeon Excellence accreditation, demonstrating advanced expertise and adherence to the highest standards in robotic surgery.

The da Vinci 5 platform enables a wide range of minimally invasive procedures, including:

• Inguinal and hiatal hernia repair
• Gallbladder disease
• Appendicitis
• Colorectal conditions
• Bariatric procedures
• Oncologic conditions
• Women’s health procedures
• Benign and malignant conditions of the urinary tract

Minimally invasive procedures are associated with less pain, smaller incisions, and faster recovery times for patients.

Featuring more than 150 design innovations, the system improves surgical precision through wristed instruments, enhanced 3DHD visualization and intuitive motion control that supports both patient outcomes and surgeon performance. With more than 10,000 times the computing power of previous models, the da Vinci 5 delivers real-time, actionable insights.

The system also prioritizes surgeon ergonomics. Traditional surgical techniques can place strain on surgeons’ backs and necks, potentially shortening careers. The da Vinci 5 allows surgeons to operate in a seated, more comfortable position, reducing fatigue and supporting longer, more complex procedures.

To learn more about robotic surgery at St. Mary Medical Center, click here.